Venus said after the hearing that Spataro remained in jail for bail jumping and fleeing to Connecticut, but he was not needed in court for the status conference.

A final pretrial hearing has been booked for Aug. 31, with jury selection to begin on Sept. 22.

Other Charges, Suspects

Along with the bail jumping felony, Spataro has seven felony acts, prohibited drug charges from February 2023 out of Concord — around the same time Meunier disappeared. He also has a subsequent drug possession charge from September 2024 in Hooksett. Those charges are also scheduled for a status conference on Aug. 31.

Jocelyn Cote, Spataro’s girlfriend at the time, was also charged with a felony accomplice evidence charge and an accomplice abuse of corpse charge. She was also arrested in January on a bail jumping charge and a bench warrant. The status of her cases is unknown at the time of publication.

A third person, Ryan Holton, also faces falsifying physical evidence and abuse of corpse charges. He had a status conference on June 10 and has a plea and sentencing hearing, with a capped plea, scheduled for Aug. 31.

Choosing New Jersey’s 10 best beaches was no day at the shore.

USA Today’s annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards asked beach lovers to vote on the Garden State’s top stretch of sand as part of a nationwide competition featuring coastal destinations in eight states and territories. Twenty Jersey Shore beaches made the final ballot — but only one could claim the crown.

Wildwood rode a tidal wave of votes to take the No. 1 spot, thanks to beaches stretching up to 500 yards wide that offer plenty of room for volleyball, surfing, boogie boarding and every other kind of seaside fun.

A unique beach taxi ferries visitors from the boardwalk closer to the water with their chairs and umbrellas in tow. When it’s time to leave the sand, the action shifts back to the boardwalk, where rides, games and endless food options keep the fun going.

The runner-up is Atlantic City, where the world-famous boardwalk, towering Ferris wheel, amusement rides and glittering casino skyline continue to make waves with visitors from near and far.

Surfing into third place is Sea Isle City — offering wide, soft beaches that invite visitors to stretch out under the sun before casting a line off the fishing pier or cooling off with a swim.

Cape May took the No. 4 spot with its family-friendly beaches, Victorian homes with tons of historic charm, a famous lighthouse and a bustling promenade.

At No. 5, Brigantine Beach proves nature lovers don’t have to drift far to find paradise, with scenic dunes, abundant wildlife and even the chance to drive on the sand in designated areas — with a permit.

Ocean City rolls in at No. 6, thanks to its legendary boardwalk packed with rides, games and family-friendly fun.

Catching the next wave at No. 7 is Long Beach Island, which boosts beautiful beaches, charming seaside communities and endless recreational activities.

Sliding into No. 8 is Avalon, an upscale beach town known for its soft sand, sparkling water and relaxed vibe that’s tailor-made for family vacations.

Just ahead at No. 9, Avon-by-the-Sea charms beachgoers with its tree-lined streets, Victorian homes and peaceful stretch of shoreline.

Making a splash at No. 10 is Asbury Park, where the vibrant boardwalk, live music and energetic atmosphere keep visitors coming back for an encore.

“New Jersey offers beachgoers 130 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, barrier islands, lighthouses, and scenic views. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the white sand beaches of the Jersey Shore each year, and it’s easy to see why,” USA Today wrote.

Twenty beaches made the final cut — but only one could take the crown.

WASHINGTON (WHP) — Pennsylvania has been a no show at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., but the state’s senators said they’re teaming up to change that.

Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman said Saturday they have partnered with several state organizations to represent Pennsylvania at the fair.

“Pennsylvania is where America’s story began, and there was no way we were going to let the commonwealth go unrepresented during our nation’s 250th birthday celebration,” McCormick said in a release.

All 50 states are supposed to be represented at the event, but around 10 Democrat-led states said they will not officially participate.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told The New Republic that he believes the fair isn’t truly a celebration of American history, but rather a politicized and Trump-centric event.

Several artists who were supposed to perform during the fair have also dropped out due to similar concerns.

READ MORE | Freedom 250 spokesperson says American State Fair ‘nonpolitical’ as artists drop out

McCormick and Fetterman will partner with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, the PA Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business, the PA Manufacturers’ Association, and The Manufacturer & Business Association.

“We discovered our commonwealth wasn’t participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be,” Fetterman said. “We are now making sure Pennsylvania’s booth will highlight the commonwealth’s agriculture dominance, our businesses and what makes PA a truly awesome and historic place.”

Fetterman said Pennsylvania’s role in the history of the U.S. is “important and bipartisan.”

A spokesperson from Freedom 250, a group created by the White House that is organizing the event, said it’s “inherently nonpolitical.”

The event started Thursday and will continue through July 10. You can find more information here.